6 surprising barbershop trends for 2026: What clients really want from booking and AI

Barbershops have always been about connection. The friendly banter, the regulars who know “their guy,” and the sense of community that makes every trim personal. But when it comes to how clients manage their appointments, things are starting to shift.

Clients still expect that same warmth — but delivered through smarter technology, instant responses, and 24/7 accessibility. And the numbers tell the story.

A new 2025 consumer survey of more than 1,000 U.S. salon and spa clients revealed that:

In short: the modern barbershop client still loves the conversation, they just want it to happen faster and whenever they need it.

The findings highlighted here focus on barbershop regulars — loyal clients who visit their barbershop frequently and represent the industry’s most engaged consumers.

For barbershops, booking difficulties come at a real cost.

Eight in 10 regulars say they’ve decided not to book because it was too hard to get through, whether by phone or online. That’s one of the highest frustration rates across the industry, just behind nail salons (83%) and spas (85%).

Every unanswered call or clunky booking form represents lost revenue and, possibly, a lost regular. The solution isn’t simply hiring more staff; it’s smarter systems that never miss an opportunity.

This shift is forcing barbershops to rethink their booking models. Quick and easy booking, on mobile, via text, or through AI receptionists, are now core customer experience tools.

Modern barbershop clients are on the move.

40% of barbershop regulars say they “always” need to book outside business hours, compared to 35% for hair and beauty salons.

That means barbershops are competing for attention long after the last clipper shuts off.

AI assistants that can answer messages, confirm bookings, and even manage cancellations overnight will be essential in 2026.

For barbershop owners, this is more than convenience. It’s a new revenue window that keeps the business “open” 24/7 without adding staff.

Here’s where things get exciting.

Half of barbershop regulars say they’re very comfortable interacting with an AI receptionist — with only 14% saying they were not comfortable at all.

That level of openness might surprise some, but it speaks to changing consumer behavior. The truth is, barbershop clients don’t mind who answers, as long as they get quick, friendly, and accurate service.

Expect to see more barbershops in 2026 using AI to answer calls, confirm appointments, and send personalized reminders, freeing up human teams to focus on what they do best — delivering exceptional in-person experiences.

With AI tools now capable of natural conversation, personalized reminders, and real-time scheduling, barbershops can offer instant responses without losing that friendly tone customers love.

When asked what matters most in a receptionist (human or AI), loyal barbershop clients ranked accuracy first (57%), followed by speed (53%) and friendliness (49%).

That balance says everything about the modern grooming experience: customers still value a warm tone, but they also expect flawless efficiency.

For barbershops, the takeaway is clear: personality still matters, but precision is what earns loyalty. In 2026, AI systems that combine the two — remembering names, past services, and preferences — will feel less like bots and more like digital team members.

Booking shouldn’t feel like work.

Three in four barbershop regulars (75%) say they’re more likely to stay loyal to a business that makes scheduling and communication easier.

That’s a powerful message. Going into 2026, convenience has become a loyalty driver. Every missed call, every unanswered text, every outdated booking process chips away at trust.

Barbershops that simplify — whether through one-click booking, auto-reminders, or responsive AI receptionists — aren’t just saving time; they’re building relationships that last.

Even in a digital-first world, 53% of barbershop regulars still say calling is always the easiest way to book — just below hair salons (59%), and ahead of spas (51%).

But here’s where things are changing fast. AI can now answer those calls instantly, hold a friendly conversation, and confirm bookings 24/7.

That means clients still get the personal touch they love — only now, it’s consistent, available after hours, and never sent to voicemail.

Barbershop clients are among the most balanced consumers in beauty, they want human connection and digital convenience.

They’re not rejecting tradition; they’re asking businesses to meet them where they already are — online, on mobile, and after hours.

So looking ahead, the future of the barbershop isn't about replacing relationships with robots — it’s about using technology to protect and enhance them.

AI receptionists, smart scheduling, and data-driven personalization will allow barbershops in 2026 to deliver the same care and community they always have, just faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

Because in the modern grooming world, the sharpest look starts with the smoothest booking experience.

Want to learn more? See how the Zenoti AI workforce, a team of specialized AI Agents, is designed to help barbershops automate booking, answer calls 24/7, and deliver personal, effortless customer experiences, every time.